How can I meditate on Scripture?

How to Meditate on Scripture

letting the Word of God dwell in our lives

The words of Scripture are living words. (See Hebrews 4:12.) They contain eternal wisdom held in the shell of human words. God wants us to “break open” these human words and begin to discover the rich wealth of personal application and understanding that they hold. This goal can be accomplished as you memorize and meditate on Scripture.

The Apostle Paul said, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you [live in you] richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16). Meditation on Scripture will cause Scripture to “dwell in you” and become a source of wisdom in your mind, will, and emotions.

Remember, meditation cannot be done in a hurry. It takes time. Doing studies on the meaning of a passage and committing it to memory prepare you to meditate on it. As you meditate, the Holy Spirit will teach you the ways of God through His Word. (See John 16:13.) Use the following keys to meditation:

Worship God in Your Spirit

Your times of meditation should be times of worship and fellowship with God. Worship God in your spirit as you quote God’s Word back to Him. Reverence God’s Word and purpose to “do according to all that is written therein” (Joshua 1:8).

Personalize the Passage

Turn the Scripture into a first-person prayer back to God. Personalize it by putting it in the first person, using I, me, and my. For example, Colossians 3:16 (quoted above) could be personalized by saying, “Let the word of Christ dwell in ME richly in all wisdom.” When you put Scripture in the first person, it becomes a living expression within your heart, which is one aspect of meditation.

Give Attention to Each Word of Each Verse

Focusing on one verse at a time, quote it to the Lord, pondering each word. With each recitation of a verse, emphasize a different word. For example, if you are meditating on John 3:16, you would emphasize a different word each time you repeated the passage:

“For God so loved the world … .”

“For God so loved the world … .”

“For God so loved the world … .”

“For God so loved the world … .”

“For God so loved the world … .”

“For God so loved the world … .”

Be attentive. This simple method of meditation will reveal new insights and give you greater understanding of phrases and sentences. As you hear the words of the passage, you will discern nuances and associations that are often overlooked when the passage is read silently.

“Martin Luther, one of the pivotal figures of church history, gave detailed instructions on how to meditate … . ‘You should meditate not only in your heart, but also externally, by actually repeating and comparing oral speech and literal words of the book, reading and rereading them with diligent attention and reflection, so you may see what the Holy Spirit means by them.’ ” (Doug McIntosh, God Up Close: How to Meditate on His Word, Moody Press, Chicago, Ill., 1998, 65.)

Illustrate the Main Concepts Found Within the Passage

As you memorize and meditate on a passage, look for Biblical concepts and patterns. Sometimes drawing simple illustrations with stick figures and symbols can help you remember the main ideas of the passage. Not only will the actual creation of the illustration help you further meditate on the meaning of the passage, but your illustration can serve as a simple summary of what the Lord taught you through meditation on His Word.

Each illustration should represent your current understanding of the action being described in the verse or phrase. As your understanding of the verse deepens, your illustrations will expand.

Meditate on Scripture as You Go to Sleep at Night

One of the most critical times to meditate on God’s Word is as you go to sleep each night. In Scripture, there are many references to meditating on Scripture at this time. (See Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2, 63:6, and 119:148.)

The quiet moments of preparing for sleep offer an ideal setting for contemplation and fellowship with the Lord. The thoughts that are on your mind as you go to sleep will be in your subconscious mind all through the night. They will strongly influence your attitudes the next day, consciously or subconsciously.

Respond to God as He Teaches You

As you meditate, don’t be discouraged if you have to go over the passage several times before insights begin to come to mind. As God reveals an insight to you, pray it back to Him and ask Him for the grace to apply that truth in your life. If the Holy Spirit convicts you of sin in your life, confess it to the Lord and be forgiven.

Apply to your life the insights you gain through meditation on Scripture. Learn more >>

I am very excited with your teaching about meditation. I am going to act accordingly. I noticed that whenever I meditate some earthly thoughts cross my mind. I find there is big battle in my mind. How do I make my mind to be fully dominated by the word of God despite of the circumstances I am going through in life?

Thank you for the teaching, i had found that i could easily get distructed, upon asking for help from God, he revealed that meditating to ground myself in his word was the answer. I just didn't know how to do it. Untill i came upon this site. God bless you.

Thank you for your kind guidance. For sometime now and due to medical misguidance, I have become fearful of life, of living so to speak. I am afraid of getting very sick and die. My heart feels heavy and I would love to find comfort and understanding. Could you tell me what I need to meditate on? I will greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much. Blessings!

Wooow, excellent resource, really, Joshua1:8 is so true, thanks for the insight bro, I really need it. To Maria, look at this (I hope you see this):
swaller
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Psalms 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Hi there. I have been struggling with Spiritual Warfare for a couple of months now. I went to a conference and 1 of the pastors wife told me to read the red writing in the bible and medidtate on them. I dont know how to do that, but after reading this I now know how to. Thank you so much.